Tag: prevention

Malaria and Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

Malaria is a disease that is caused by various Plasmodium microorganisms. It is passed to humans and other vertebrates by mosquitoes, who are hosts to the malaria parasite. Malaria is a devastating disease, affecting over 219 million people in 2010. In that same year, it is reported that between 660,000 and 1.2 million people died of malaria. The vast majority of malaria victims are children in poverty-stricken regions of Africa and Asia.

Discovering the Correlation Between Malaria and Mosquitos

The term malaria comes from the italian words, ‘mala aira’ which means bad air. The disease had been associated with travel to a swampy or marshy area. In 1989, Sir Ronald Ross, a physician from Scotland, was able to complete the Plasmodium lifecycle in mosquitoes. For this discovery, Dr. Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1902.

The Lifecycle of the Malaria Parasite and its Host

The malaria parasite, Plasmodium, is transmitted from a female mosquito (Anopheles) when she feeds. She transmits a sporozoite form of the parasite; a mobile, adult form that is almost ready to reproduce, into the new vertebrate host. This sporozoite travels through the blood stream to the liver. Once it reaches the liver it reproduces and the immature form that emerges is called a gamete. When a mosquito then bites an infected person, the gametes, which are in the blood stream, are taken along with the blood the mosquito eats. When the gamete reaches the belly of the mosquito, it matures and then travels to the mosquito’s salivary glands. From there, it is injected into a new host when the mosquito bites another vertebrate.

Malaria Risk Areas

  •  Mexico (moderate)
  • Central America (moderate)
  • South America (moderate to high)
  • Southeast and Southwest Asia (high)
  • Africa (high)
  • Middle East (moderate to high)

Malaria was once prevalent in more northern hemisphere regions, but is rarely seen in these areas now.

Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms can mimic many other illnesses. Additionally, malaria can be dormant for a season, but symptoms may return at a later date. This is called a relapse. Malaria symptoms begin between 8 and 25 days after initial infection. The following is a list of malaria symptoms.

  • severe weakness, inability to walk
  • loss of consciousness or goes in and out of consciousness
  • low blood pressure
  • inability to eat
  • difficulty breathing
  • kidney failure
  • circulatory shock
  • two or more seizures
  • pulmonary edema
  • fever
  • headache

If malaria is suspected, a blood test is needed to confirm it. However, many patients in high risk malaria locations are not able to afford this test or it is not possible due to lack of equipment or trained workers who can diagnose malaria. It is now common to treat a disease that is presenting as malaria, regardless of a positive malaria test.

Preventing Malaria

The best way to prevent malaria is to get rid of mosquitoes or stop them from biting. Only female mosquitoes bite, and they most commonly feed in the evening so any campaign designed to eradicate malaria through lowering the number of mosquitoes or mosquito bites needs to focus on controlling nighttime insect behavior. Among the most popular and effective programs to lower malaria levels by controlling mosquitoes are:

  • Introduction of mosquito nets for nighttime use
  • Use of insect repellant
  • Coating of walls with insecticide
  • Eradication of stagnant water that attracts mosquitoes

Several groups exist today with the sole purpose of eradicating malaria. Currently there are a few malaria vaccines being developed and tested for future use. With control of mosquitoes and treatment of current malaria cases, complete eradication of this devastating disease is possible.

 

Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous to the Elderly?

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes are, to most people, simply a pesky nuisance and a part of the spring and summer seasons. The female mosquito bites humans and leaves a red bump that can get very itchy. It usually goes away within a few days or a week. But many are now asking: are mosquito bites dangerous to the elderly?

Recently there have been many news stories about people of all ages suffering the effects of bites. However, elderly people are more at risk of developing more serious illnesses from mosquito bites, because their immune systems may be weaker than most.

If the mosquito that bites a person is carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) or other viruses, they can cause the human they bite to get the virus. This can lead to the person suffering from a mild case of WNV or encephalitis. Both of these illnesses present with flu-like symptoms. Milder cases may cause fever, sore throat, stiff neck, vomiting and muscle aches. These symptoms will usually pass within a few days or a week or two.

The more severe cases can include:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Convulsions
  • Coma
  • Tremors
  • Loss of vision
  • Numbness and paralysis

The more severe cases of the virus may require hospitalization for supportive care like IV fluids, nutritional support, airway maintenance and breathing support.

Special Considerations for the Elderly

Elderly people who are bitten by mosquitoes are more susceptible to the serious cases of WNV and encephalitis or meningitis. At times, these illnesses can lead to permanent neurological damage or even death. Again, this is because elderly people may have weaker immune systems or they may have other conditions that compromise their overall health. Older victims of these diseases can also become extremely dehydrated, have difficulty breathing, experience swollen glands that restrict airways, or just not recover quickly or entirely from their ordeal. Seeking medical treatment is urgently needed in these cases.

Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Everyone, but especially the elderly, should do everything they can to prevent mosquito bites. Since mosquitoes are more likely to bite between dusk and dawn, protect exposed skin during this time if you are going to be outside. It has been thought that since mosquitoes like flowers, it is best to avoid wearing perfume while outside during mosquito season.

  • Wear a good mosquito repellant on exposed skin when outside. The best repellents are those with DEET as an ingredient. It should only be about 7.5% of the product’s total. Put it on your clothing, around the edges of sleeves and edges of your pant legs.
  • It has been reported that people who have consumed alcoholic beverages are more prone to being bitten by mosquitoes also. You don’t have to be a complete teetotaler, but just keep this in mind.
  • Make sure that window and door screens are secure.
  • It is critical to pay attention to your environment as well during the spring and summer months. If you live near a stagnant pond, you may want to take extra precautions to keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs in standing water.
  • If you are in an area that has flooding from heavy seasonal rain, you need to take special care as well. Dump out any buckets or other containers that are holding water. If you have a child’s swimming pool, dump the water out when it is not being used. Mosquitoes like to breed in cool, shady areas, especially if there is standing water nearby.

If you are over 65 years old, be aware of the problems that mosquito bites can cause. Most bites are not a major problem, however some mosquito bites in the elderly can pose health risks. If you have other illnesses or your immune system is weak, you are more susceptible to major and potentially life threatening illnesses from mosquito bites. But by taking basic precautionary measures, you can enjoy the warm weather safely.

 

Are Mosquito Bites Dangerous to Infants?

Posted on by k2Dev

Should You Take Your Baby Outdoors?

You have a young baby and summertime outdoors are beckoning. But there are concerns about taking your little one along to enjoy outdoor activities. You know about common risks and how to prevent their negative effects – like slathering on the sunscreen to prevent overexposure to sun. But what about mosquitoes? How safe will your baby be in the presence of those inevitable blood suckers? The answer to that question may leave you second guessing your outing. But take heart, there are mosquito bite preventions available.

The Dreaded Mosquito Bite

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying, unwanted insects buzzing your ears in the stillness of evening. They have long been known to carry within them a variety of debilitating and even deadly diseases. Globally responsible for more deaths throughout human history than any other creature, many scientists argue the mosquito to be the deadliest animal on earth. Your infant may be aware of the initial tickle, and then itch of the ‘bite’, but without mosquito bite prevention, Baby has just possibly become the catalyst for what could be a frightening chain of events.

Mosquitoes become aware that you and your infant are nearby simply because you have exhaled. They are drawn to the carbon dioxide present in exhaled breath. The males of the species are not interested in you or Baby, preferring pollen. The females, however, are honing in. Because they are breeding, they are producing eggs and are in need of the protein found in blood. The female will land on the exposed skin of Baby and begin to penetrate the skin with it’s proboscis. She begins to draw Baby’s blood. Your infant has also just been injected with the anesthetic and anticoagulant that is present in the mosquito’s saliva. This signals the human body’s immune system to work against these injected substances, and the itch begins. But, that might not be the only substance that the hated mosquito has just introduced into your baby’s body.

The Mosquito’s Infamous Reputation

Unless prudent mosquito bite prevention is exercised, humans tend to be easy prey for these blood thirsty predators. Unfortunately, mosquitoes have exacted a staggering toll on human life over the millennia by way of a deadly collection of diseases. Included among those diseases are:

Malaria: a parasitic infection of the liver and red blood cells; as red cells are damaged the resulting clots can further damage organs.

Yellow Fever: a viral infection that can cause heart, liver and kidney problems, hemorrhaging and death.

West Nile Virus: a viral infection with symptoms that can last weeks and can cause long-term neurological damage.

Prevention of Mosquito Bites is Important for Babies

While the history of human encounters with mosquitoes is bleak, present and future encounters are manageable and positive. Prevention of mosquito bites, especially for babies, is a critical step to exercise when planning any outdoor activity or simply enjoying everyday life during mosquito season. Fortunately, humans have a broad arsenal of weapons at hand.

  1. First, think habitat. While mosquitoes are a critical element of global ecosystems as food for beneficial animals, and have been hanging around the planet for up to 30 million years, eliminating their habitat in your immediate area is simple. Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. Be vigilant to remove all standing water. Change birdbaths daily. Eliminate all open containers that can collect rainwater.
  2. Second, think structural. Make sure that all doors and windows have fine screening that prevents access to mosquitoes. Seal all cracks or openings to structures. Use mosquito netting to cover cribs and carriages.
  3. Third, use natural or chemical repellants. Repellants today come in many forms of application. The CDC has recommended the use of time-tested DEET which can be used on babies and oil of eucalyptus (not safe for children under three) among other repellants.
  4. Fourth, avoid exposure. Stay indoors during dawn and dusk to minimize exposure, as mosquitoes are most active during these hours.

Take these steps to insure your infant’s safety during the mosquito season. Knowing how best to avoid or minimize exposure and prevent mosquito bites can give you peace of mind, and make the outdoors enjoyable once again for you and your baby.

 

How to Protect Your Pets from Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes are always annoying, and we as humans have a lot of options to try to keep them away from us. However, our furry companions don’t have the choice to go out and buy mosquito repellent or put on a long sleeved jacket. But there are options for those who want to reduce their fluffy friends’ chances of getting heartworm – the main risk dogs and cats face from mosquito bites.

 

Protect them with these helpful tips:

 

#1
Insect Repellant

While not all repellents are safe for dogs, there are some that can be used. Keep anything containing DEET away from the dog, as that can make them very sick. Check the ingredients, and if it is safe, spritz the dog so that the bugs are less interested in getting near him. The same goes for cats.

 

#2
Keep Pets Away From Bugs

While it might not be an easy task, keeping dogs away from mosquitoes is another important option. This could include not walking in very wet areas or marshes, and making sure that there is no stagnant water around the property. Don’t let the dog get bit at home, so make sure that bowls of water are being changed often.

 

#3

Keep Pets Inside

Also, keep the animals inside during the time that mosquitoes are most active. This will minimize their exposure to bites. During the early evening and the early morning, the mosquitoes are at their worst, so wait a little bit longer to take the dog on a walk. If the cat is allowed to go outside during the day, wait until later in the morning to let it out. Also, make sure to get the cat back inside by the late afternoon.

 

#4

Mosquito Proof the Home

Getting a good screen in all of the windows can keep bugs out so that animals won’t get bit while they are lounging around the house. Leaving the windows open in the summer is something that many do, but letting in mosquitoes could be very dangerous to those living inside. Even cats, which may not go outside very much, could be put at risk if the window is left open without a screen, and that could make them very sick.

 

#5

Provide Medication

Even if you do all this, it still might not be possible to keep a pet from getting bit every once in a while. In this case, giving your pet heart worm medication may be important, as that will lower the risk of illness resulting from bug bites. The bites may be annoying to the animal, but it is important to keep the animal from scratching them and making it worse.

 

#6

What To Do for Bites

If there are bites on the face and ears of your pet, putting some antibacterial cream on their bites is important. Try not to let them scratch at it, and take the pet to a vet if it gets worse. Also, bring the animal to vet on a regular basis to test for heart worm, as early detection is what will ensure that the dog is ultimately going to be healthy.

 

All of these prevention tactics are good for the furry friends in the home. Just follow them, and ask your vet to test your pet regularly for heart worms.

 

Mosquito Protection While Traveling Abroad

Posted on by k2Dev

Disease is a major problem in some countries. Serious illnesses such as malaria and West Nile Virus can reach epidemic levels in places, and it’s the mosquito that is guilty of the rapid spread of many of these afflictions. They may only be considered a nuisance, pests to be smacked away when you’re safe at home, but if you’re making international travel plans, you must take precautions before reaching your destination – particularly if it’s in a high-threat area.

Overseas Disease Carriers

Some of the diseases that mosquitoes carry:

  • Dengue Fever
  • Malaria
  • West Nile Virus
  • Yellow Fever
  • Encephalitis

Simple Preventative Steps For Travelers

Mosquitoes mostly bite at dusk and after it has become dark. Be extra vigilant at this time. Here are a few more suggestions for dealing with these insects:

  • Avoid areas with standing water if at all possible. These are spots where mosquitoes lay eggs and hatch by the thousand. Even a puddle could be a haven for breeding these nasty bugs.
  • Don’t wear fragrances. You don’t want a mosquito to think you’re a pretty flower. Instead, wear an insect repellent and ensure it contains DEET, the most effective mosquito repellent.
  • Get double protection by wearing repellent and burning citronella candles. Such candles are a natural way of defending against mosquitoes.

Be Prepared

There’s the further consideration of the locale being visited. Perhaps the area is isolated or medical facilities are sub-par. The best protection against the mosquito while traveling abroad is to research the dangers, and to be prepared for every eventuality. Use the greatest resource of information available, the Internet, to become educated to where mosquitoes are particularly prevalent, which diseases are being carried by these bugs and what measures need to be taken to combat illness. Even better, find out the best ways to avoid being bitten by a mosquito altogether. Just remember, there’s no guaranteed way to avoid being bitten so prepare for that possibility. Some practical ways to prepare and be protected are:

  • Mosquito netting on beds. This is a must.
  • Wear an insect repellent.
  • Protective clothing to reduce exposed skin.
  • Be informed.

While these steps may seem simple, it’s surprising how many people don’t apply insect repellent or decide to wear inadequate clothing.

Use Extra Caution

Take these steps further and don’t assume the netting is going to stop mosquitoes. A tiny hole in the netting is all that one of these bugs needs to infiltrate this protection.

The extra caution also applies to being educated on the local area. Are there medical facilities located nearby, and are they well-equipped for dealing with an infection? Drugs aren’t always effective against malaria but they could mean the difference between life and death. Medical authorities within countries afflicted with high incidences of malaria carrying mosquitoes have lived with the mosquito problem for a long time, and they’re well aware of the necessity for quick treatment.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes During a Picnic

Posted on by k2Dev

No one wants uninvited guests during a picnic, especially if they see you as the main course. Mosquitoes can bring discomfort and disease with each bite, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself from mosquitoes during a picnic, hike or other outdoor activity.

Facts About Mosquitoes

There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes, however the majority of disease is carried by three varieties. These three species are responsible for diseases such as malaria, the West Nile virus, encephalitis and yellow fever, as well as other diseases and illnesses. The female mosquito is the culprit in these attacks. She  needs the blood of her host to nourish her eggs, while the male mosquito feeds primarily on plant nectar.

While most mosquito bites are just annoying, for aforementioned reasons, some can be dangerous. So preventing mosquito bites while enjoying time with friends and family outdoors can protect your health – and specifically young children and the elderly, who are especially susceptible to illness.

Avoid Mosquito-Rich Environments to Prevent Bites

If you are in your own environment, such as your own backyard, it is much easier to control the mosquito population. When you are enjoying a picnic at a local park or hiking on a public trail, it can be more difficult to repel mosquitoes. There are certain conditions that mosquitoes require to thrive, so avoid these situations to cut down on your exposure to mosquitoes.

  • Standing water: Mosquitoes need water for the laying eggs.
  • Picnicking at dusk: Most species of mosquitoes are especially active at this time of day.
  • Tall wet grasses: Tall grass can hide water that serves as mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes also like to rest in the shade.

Topical Solutions to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Topical solutions such as bug sprays and lotions that repel the mosquitoes are a successful way to prevent bites. Products that contain DEET seem to be the most popular and be the most effective. Another ingredient to look for is picardin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus has also proven to be effective at repelling the pesky nuisance of mosquito bites. Picardin and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on young children and DEET should not be used on children under six months old. None of these products should be used on the hands and face. These products have been found effective but require several applications depending on the amount of time you spend outdoors. And remember: it is important to follow the directions to prevent potentially dangerous side effects.

Alternative Methods to Protect Against Mosquito Bites

There are natural, non-chemical methods available to those who prefer not to spray potentially harmful ingredients onto their exposed skin.

  • Light, loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin is one of the safest ways to deter mosquito bites. Cover as much of the skin as possible, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find a patch of skin to land on.
  • Smoke deters mosquitoes.
  • Citronella candles and torches around the perimeter of your picnic area will also deter mosquitoes from entering the area.
  • Mosquito nets can be used to protect the picnic area.
  • There are many devices available, such as repellent table cloths and personal barriers, that claim to be successful, too.
  • While some claim success using garlic oil and other natural remedies, the verdict is still out as to the real effectiveness of those claims.

Controlling mosquitoes has proven to be difficult world-wide. However, with a bit of creative thinking, it can be done on an individual basis. A combination of repellent sprays and light, loose-fitting clothes seem to get the best results in most situations.

Many cities and districts also spray to control the mosquito population in public places. Knowing when those methods are being used may help to determine when the population of mosquitoes will be at their lowest. Planning your celebrations and gatherings around those times may, in addition to the other suggestions, increase your ability to prevent mosquito bites while enjoying picnics, cookouts, and hiking.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes While Camping

Posted on by k2Dev

As fans of the movie Jurassic Park know, mosquitoes have been around much longer than humans. They’ve survived the extinctions, climate swings, and man’s best efforts to suppress them. They will always be with us, but with a little know-how, you can do a lot to protect yourself from mosquitoes when camping.

The Campsite

  • Avoid setting up camp near water. This is where mosquitoes live and breed, so camping here puts you directly in the path of mosquitoes and their hatchlings.
  • If possible, place the door of your tent or camper facing into the breeze. Mosquitoes don’t like being buffeted, so they won’t cluster around the entrance and won’t get the chance to invade your space.
  • Spraying repellent around the entrance will help protect your tent or camper. Spray from top to bottom at dawn and dusk, when they are most active. Spray liberally around the bottom edge of the tent, or saturate cloths and tuck them just under the edge.
  • Broom away small puddles, make sure rainwater doesn’t collect in tent folds, and cover buckets you’re collecting rain in. Even a bit of water left in a glass can attract females looking for a spot to lay eggs.
  • A burning campfire will clear the immediate area of all sorts of insects, including mosquitoes. It’s the smoke they hate, not the heat, so even a low-level fire will do.
  • Regular lights in lanterns, flashlights and over camper doors attract mosquitoes. Replace them with LED lights or yellow bug lights, which don’t attract mosquitoes.

Gadgets that Work

  • Citronella candles are a traditional way to protect against mosquitoes. However, many candles contain citronella scent rather than citronella oil. The scent offers no protection, so make sure the candles actually contain the essential oil.
  • Mosquito coils can drive mosquitoes away, but work best on a still day. If it’s breezy, the repellent is quickly dissipated. Even on a calm day, the zone of protection is fairly small. You can increase the zone by placing them at a few points around the campsite.
  • A new type of device uses a warmer to release repellent from a pad. Like mosquito coils, these work best when there’s little or no wind.
  • The current generation of bug zapper lights will reduce the swarm. Originally, bug zapper lanterns weren’t particularly effective against mosquitoes. New models, however, have been found to lure mosquitoes and zap them efficiently.

Effective Repellents

  • The most effective mosquito repellent is DEET, a chemical compound found in many commercial sprays and lotions. Studies have found it safe and effective in concentrations up to 30% for anyone over two years of age. A concentration of just 5% will be effective for about an hour and a half.
  • People who dislike the unpleasant chemical smell of DEET often turn to natural alternatives. A favorite with campers is to place a fair amount of oil, chopped garlic and peppers in a spray bottle, let the mixture infuse, then fill with water to make a spray.
  • Essential oils form the basis of many commercial repellents. One of the leading oils is lemon eucalyptus, which comes from the corymbia citriodora tree. Other commonly used oils are geranium, cedarwood, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, castor and soybean. Dilute the oil with water to make a spray or simmer in water over a candle or small burner.

Personal Protection

  • In addition to spray repellents, patches worn on the skin that use body heat to release repellent can be quite effective.
  • Don’t wear perfume, which attracts mosquitoes. Instead, try applying essential oils from the list above. Since individual body chemistry interacts with the oils, you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.
  • There are no foods you can eat that will repel mosquitoes, but there are two to avoid that attract them: beer and Limburger cheese.
  • Choose clothes that cover your arms and legs but are loose fitting and comfortable. Also avoid black, blue and red, which are their favorite colors.

 

How to Keep Kids Safe from Mosquitoes

Posted on by k2Dev

When the summer arrives, dealing with the prospect of being bitten by mosquitoes can put a damper on spending time with family and friends outdoors. Keeping your kids safe from mosquitoes is possible with a bit of direction and by following a few tips and tricks that will ensure the mosquitoes are not disrupting any outdoor activities you have planned for the summer months. Mosquitoes are pesky insects that can cause rashes and bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable. However, with the right preparation, it is possible to enjoy your time outdoors worry-free.

Inform Your Kids

Before you find insect repellent that is right for you and your kids, inform your kids about mosquitoes and how they can be proactive in order to prevent irritation or bites. Educating your children on summer safety and the importance of wearing sunblock and insect repellent will help them to develop positive habits that can be used into adulthood.

Choose the Right Insect Repellent

Choose an insect repellent that is ideal for your children, depending on their age and their level of outdoor activity. There are insect repellents specifically-designed for babies, toddlers and children of all ages. You can also find insect repellent that is waterproof, ideal if you plan to spend time in water or if you have a pool in your household that is ready to be used.

Find an insect repellent that can be used for hours at a time or that offers protection for 12 or 24 hours. Be sure to read all labels of the insect repellent you choose to ensure it is the ideal type for your child’s age and the type of activity he or she plans to participate in throughout the summer. Having multiple insect repellent options is also recommended, as not all repellents work the same for different individuals.

Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing

Inform your children of the benefits of wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially when they are not in a swimsuits but still plan to spend time outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts is highly recommended in addition to wearing darker colors, as bright colors tend to attract insects including mosquitoes, increasing the chance of being bitten.

Avoid Being Outside at Dusk

Have your children inside before dusk to reduce the amount of mosquitoes they encounter each day. Mosquitoes tend to come out during dusk, which will cause them to seek out hosts to bite. If you plan to spend the evening or night outdoors when camping, swimming or simply enjoying the weather, use tiki torches and candles that detract mosquitoes and other insects. The more citronella candles and tiki torches you use, the less likely mosquitoes are to interrupt you and your family while you are outdoors.

Scented Fragrances

Have your children avoid wearing scented fragrances, including cologne, perfume and even body lotions. The more scents you wear outdoors, the more insects will instinctively be attracted to your child, causing them to land and most often, bite or sting.

Get Rid of Standing Water

Most bugs, including mosquitoes, are attracted to water around homes. To avoid mosquitoes from interrupting your summer fun, be sure to rid any area on your property of standing water. Flower pots, buckets, planters and even birdbaths should all be removed during the summertime when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

Install Screens in Windows and Doors

Another way to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, even indoors, is to ensure all of your doors and windows have screens installed throughout. If you have a sliding door, it is essential to keep it closed whenever it is not being used to keep insects, including mosquitoes, from entering the home.

Making a few small changes in your backyard this summer is a great way to get rid of mosquitoes and ensure you and your family have a great time outdoors this year. The more actively involved you are with protecting your kids from mosquitoes, the easier it is to bask in the sun, play outdoor games and enjoy swimming regardless of the time of year!

 

The Future of Mosquito Control

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes and their reputation as a pesky enemy pack a bigger punch than just itchy annoyance. This minute insect is the deadliest creature on the planet. There are three thousand mosquito species, but only two hundred find sucking blood a necessity. Only the adult females bite when they are ready to lay larvae. Some of the most prominent diseases carried by mosquitoes are malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus and other forms of encephalitis. UNICEF estimates that malaria kills a child somewhere in the world every minute and is one of the biggest causes of child mortality. As a disease-transmitting culprit for both man and animal, mosquito control tops the list of imperatives for the future.

Latest Attack Strategies

While eradicating the mosquito might seem like the best thing for the health of the world’s population, it would be virtually impossible to accomplish. Therefore, source reduction and biological elements direct the future of mosquito control. One technique that will continue to provide relief is biological control, or the practice of introducing natural predatory species to eat larval-stage mosquitoes before they hatch. Rivers and lakes filled with mosquito-eating fish, carps and minnows curb the mosquito population but don’t conquer it.

More aggressively, scientists continue to work on a malaria vaccine. With infected mosquitoes causing more than a half million deaths a year, a successful vaccine could distinctly downgrade the threat to humans. But the disease is complex. Current vaccines fight bacterial infections, but triggering the body’s immune system to fight parasites is difficult. Hence, scientists acknowledge it could be decades before the genomes of the mosquito and the malaria parasite can be mapped and an experimental vaccine tested on humans.

Insecticides in the form of DDT and other chemicals have been successful at decreasing the public health risk. But tears of insecticide use have also introduced another complication: insecticide resistant mosquitoes. The BBC reports researchers have linked a family of genes that alerts them to the presence of insecticide resistance. This allows mosquito infested areas to be tested. The tests are expensive, though, necessitating a focus on developing a rapid test. This will allow targeted insecticides to be formulated that skirt the resistance issue and enables cost effective mosquito control management.

Most interesting, work continues to refine and test a sterile insect technique. This is a population control method that genetically alters the male mosquito. Simply speaking, altered males are released into the population and trick the fertile female mosquitoes into breeding. This introduces an engineered genetic sterilization into the offspring and prevents any mosquitoes hatched from becoming adults. Other techniques involve genetically modifying the mosquito to require certain chemicals that aren’t present in the ecosystem so that offspring can’t develop without it. Researchers predict both procedures have the capability to drastically reduce the mosquito population and stop the spread of associated diseases.

Tried and True

New strategies aside, the technology of mosquito control remains a matter of manually gathering mosquito evidence, chemical management and public education. Until other procedures can make inroads to eliminate the mosquito threat, these techniques will continue to form the backbone of an integrated mosquito control program. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a hearty, integrated management of surveillance, reduction, outreach and education, and use of every method at our disposal to control mosquito activity.

Mosquito Control Responsibilities

Even with new developments, the old tips to help keep mosquitoes away will never change:

  1. Mosquitoes breed in water. Empty standing water anywhere around your home.
  2. Stagnant water sources attract mosquitoes. Maintain pools, yard ponds and bird baths.
  3. Be responsible for your personal health and your animals. Use repellants to control bites. Administer approved veterinary medication to protect your animals. Stay indoors during evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are the most active or cover exposed skin.
  4. Finally, support your city’s mosquito control efforts by staying informed about your community’s mosquito issues.

 

Tips for Hiring a Professional Mosquito Control Service

Posted on by k2Dev

Mosquitoes can quickly become pests for your home or your place of business. Sometimes, your efforts alone aren’t enough to solve the problem. If you are considering hiring a professional mosquito control service, there are several things you need to take into consideration. A bit of time spent exploring these areas will help you to find the right person for the job.

What are your Options?

Spend some time exploring your options. You can look online and in the phone book for professional mosquito control service providers in your area. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they have ever hired someone to take care of mosquitoes for them. Most of these providers will offer free estimates so you should try to get at least three potential providers that can do the work for you.

Experience and Qualifications

You need to make sure the professional you hire to control mosquitoes has the right level of experience. How long have they been in the business? Do they have a formal education that has provided them with expertise? What types of qualifications or certifications do they possess that promote the idea that they are an excellent business to work with? Are they licensed according to the requirements for where you reside?

Methods Used for Mosquito Removal

It is a good idea to ask what types of methods are offered for removing mosquitoes from your home or business. Don’t make the assumption that all of these professional service providers are going to offer the same methods.

Some of options that they may present to you include:

  • Proprietary insecticide treatment
  • Natural solutions, including plant-based repellents
  • Trapping and relocating the mosquitoes into the environment

Timeframe

When you have a problem with mosquitoes, you want to nip it in the bud as quickly as you can. How long will it be before the professional mosquito control provider can come to your location and give you a free estimate? How long until they can fit you into their schedule if you hire them? If it is going to be weeks before they can get to the job, it is a good idea to find another professional to do it.

Reviews and Feedback

What do other people have to say about that particular provider? There are plenty of ways you can find out. First, look online and see what their letter rating is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). An A is the best grade they can get and you shouldn’t settle for a business with less than a B+ rating. The BBB will also have information about any complaints filed against the professional mosquito control service as well as how such complaints have been resolved.

Online, you should be able to read reviews from independent consumers. This will tell you the real scoop about any business. You will get the pros and the cons and such information can help you make up your own mind about hiring a particular professional to take care of a mosquito problem for you.

Some of the types of information you will find in these reviews include:

  • Efficiency
  • Cost
  • Types of mosquitoes successfully controlled
  • Communication
  • Methods used
  • If they arrived as scheduled
  • Professionalism

Cost

When the professionals come to your home, they can provide you with a free estimate. This should itemize each of the items they will provide for you in their services. The breakdown is important so that you can compare the cost of different professionals that control mosquitoes. If any of the quotes are significantly more or less than the others, it should make you dig deeper into the reason why. If you can get the same quality of service from one provider as you can from another, price can be a determining factor regarding who you will hire.

Summary

Getting rid of mosquitoes is important as their numbers can increase quickly. However, you need to make sure you consider these areas when hiring a professional mosquito control service. You need to be 100% sure that who you hire is going to be able to complete the job efficiently, safely, and for an affordable cost.